Property Description

A wildlife adventure unlike any other, this itinerary offers the chance for close encounters with mountain gorillas and beautiful golden monkeys. Hike the densely forested slopes of Rwanda’s picturesque Virungas Volcanoes in search of the world’s largest population of wild mountain gorillas. Gaze out onto soaring mountain slopes enveloped in lush and tropical vegetation.
Immersed in this dramatic natural setting, enjoy the opportunity to watch the intriguing interaction between gorilla families or set out in search of troops of the enchanting golden monkeys. This itinerary is ideal for anyone eager for a glimpse of these great primates while undisturbed in their beautiful natural setting.

What to Expect
5 Days / 4 Nights
This itinerary is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who are both repeat and new travellers to the African continent. You will have the life changing opportunity to view mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at the Parc National des Volcans.

DAY 1: Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali Airport you will be met by an partner representative who will road transfer you to Kigali Serena Inn. Vibrant and colourful, Kigali is the bustling capital city of Rwanda. It spreads out over four scenic ridges and the valleys in between, with the city centre located on one hill, and the government and administrative quarter on another. The highest hill, Mt Kigali, sits at 1 850 m (6 075 ft) above sea level. Kigali’s peaceful, tree-lined streets are clean and safe, and the city boasts a selection of hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and markets. Kigali is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable gorilla trek – one of Africa’s most fascinating wilderness experiences. Spend one night at Kigali Serena Inn. Accommodation is in a standard room with an ensuite bathroom.

DAY 2 & 3: Parc des Volcans

After a scrumptious breakfast you will be transferred to Parc des Volcans where you will spend three nights. Approximately 3.5 hours’ drive. The rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes are the last refuge of the Mountain Gorilla. The Virungas span Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Parc National des Volcans being the Rwandan element of this ecosystem. The lush slopes of the volcanoes provide an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is perhaps the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be had anywhere – to see the Mountain Gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of Mountain Gorillas are resident on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas. Seven habituated families of gorillas are visited, and these families have from seven to over thirty-five individuals in each group.

DAY 3 & 4: Parc des Volcans area

Rise in the cool of dawn and look out on the misty peaks of the mountains. Tuck in to a hearty breakfast. Peer up at the majestic mist-covered slope of the mountain and soak up the anticipation as the guide briefs and the trekkers get ready. Follow in the light steps of your nimble porter as the rainforest folds in around you. Stop and take it all in; the sounds, the smells and the astonishing scenery. Feel the rush of excitement as those dim shapes and faint sounds become actual living, breathing, free gorillas. Savour every second of an exhilarating hour with the great apes. Walk tired and exhilarated back to your heroes welcome. Sink into a comfortable seat in front of a crackling fireplace and recount every moment of the encounter with your companions. Update your bucket list and sleep like a baby.

DAY 5: Departure

After a scrumptious breakfast you will be road transferred by road back to Kigali Airport for your outbound flight.

Where to Stay
Learn more about the luxurious accommodation available for your trip.

Featured Partner Lodges
• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge : Here, surrounded by the tropical forests of Rwanda, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Parc National des Volcans.
• Kigali Serena Inn : Relaxed yet elegant, the Kigali Serena Hotel is situated on a charming boulevard in the heart of Kigali.
Activities
We have many additional activities to keep you busy during your stay.

• International flights and applicable airport departure taxes
• Meals not specified (including lunch and other meal stops between properties on overland sectors)
• Drinks where not stipulated in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature: fax, telephone, etc.
• Laundry in Kigali
• Gratuities for guide/driver/hotel staff
• Any extras and additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• For adding another Gorilla Track we shall charge $750 per person per Gorilla permit.
• All passport and visa fees
• Single entry visas as well as East African visas (between Uganda | Rwanda | Kenya) are currently available directly upon arrival at Entebbe Airport at a cost of US$100 (same cost for both types). Please be advised that Uganda is moving towards an online visa system and may announce online visa application requirements with little notice. We will keep you informed to the best of our ability. However, to avoid any potential issues, may we recommend that clients obtain an East African visa (as detailed above) upfront and prior to travel from their nearest available Embassy (see http://www.embassy-worldwide.com/country/uganda/). When officially in place, the visas will be applied for online: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/).
• Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance.
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control.
• All statutory increases beyond our control.
• Travel/medical insurance
• Amref Flying Doctors emergency evacuation – can be arranged at USD24 per person per 31 days

RATE CONDITIONS

• Rates subject to a minimum of 2 guests travelling
• Gorilla Trekking subject to availability of permits at time of booking – payment of permit price may be required to secure permit
• Baggage restriction of 15kgs per person (no more) is applicable on all flights in small, soft-sided bags.
• Certain routings have restrictions on schedules and have minimum numbers: details can be confirmed upon booking
• Massages at additional cost
• Single supplement only refers to the single room supplement. Single traveller supplement will be quoted on request
• There is a minimum age limit for gorilla tracking which is strictly 15 years.
• Validity periods are as specified above - should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote
• The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in the countries featured in this quote
• Ours and our partner Trading Terms apply

Property T&C's

Security deposit
Some properties will take credit card details used as guarantee, or a deposit will be required, returned after departure and a check of the property.
Arrival time
We will let you know once the property has been booked
Departure time
We will let you know once the property has been booked
Energy costs included?
This varies by property, most include it, others will levy a charge to be paid directly to them either on arrival or departure. Please enquire for details.
Linen & towels included?
This varies by property, some include it, others will levy a charge to be paid directly to them either on arrival or departure. Please enquire for details.
Pets welcome?
Please check with us for each property.
Smoking Allowed?
Most properties are non smoking inside.
Minimum stay
Most properties have a minimum stay of 7 nights, but not all.
Insurance
It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property
Internet access?
Most properties do have Wi-Fi, but do check with us if it is of vital importance.
End of stay cleaning included?
This varies by property, some include it, others will levy a charge to be paid directly to them either on arrival or departure. Please enquire for details.
Other Ts and Cs
Cot & High Chair can often be provided, again some properties will supply these free of charge, others may charge.

eXcellence Luxury Villas

eXcellence Luxury Villas brings you the very best handpicked global selection of luxury villas, chalets, chateaux and lodges

Curated villas with personalised concierge, who will ensure that you enjoy the greatest holiday ever!